exhibition The groundbreaking “Ancestral: African-America – United States and Brazil” premieres October 29 on MAB FAAP
The exhibition which brings together more than 100 works by artists of African origin from Brazil and the United States, is jointly curated by the Brazilian Ana Beatriz Almeida and the North American Lauren Haynes, in addition to the artistic direction of Marcelo Dantas.
São Paulo, October 2024 – The unprecedented exhibition “Ancestral: African-America – United States and Brazil” addresses the relationship between the two countries from the perspective of the African diaspora and how it is present in the visual arts. Held at the FAAP Brazilian Art Museum, the free exhibition brings together 132 works by great artists from both countries.
With a biological interpretation, the exhibition, which will run from October 29 to January 26, 2025, offers reflections on the affirmation of the body, the dream-like dimensions of dreams, and the claim of space. Through these three axes – body, dream and space – “Ancestral” promotes a meeting that values the concept of African-American identity and colonial art in Brazil and the United States. The exhibition not only pays tribute to the artists who challenged the brutalities and erasures of colonialism, but also seeks to foster an open dialogue about the influence and relevance of ancestral African roots in their formation and social contexts.
Based on these provocations, the project proposes a new perspective on the world and a new way of existence, imagined by the group of participating artists. This creative process enables simultaneous movement between past and future, weaving the ancestral lines that sustain the contemporary art landscape and highlighting present productions that, in the future, are expressions of life not yet experienced. Can emerge as a pioneer.
“We let ourselves be guided by the African diaspora groups and communities who reimagined the concept of slavery in the colonial countries where they were brought up, contributing significantly to the formation of the national identities of these places. Based on the idea of humans re-establishing their existence in a hostile environment, we selected artists who highlight this invention, this transformation and this process of ‘becoming’ as a powerful, poetic and aesthetic tool. “, comments Brazilian curator Ana. Beatriz Almeida.
For North American curator Lauren Haynes, the opportunity to work with Ana Beatriz “to present the work of African-Brazilian artists as well as the work of African-American artists was typical of black artists working in two different fields.” It was a great opportunity to explore connections and practices.” Places. I hope visitors leave the exhibition learning about new artists and new ways of making art.
The exhibition takes place in the year that marks the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States. “The decision to place African-descendant art at the center of this celebration is very significant and highlights the complex heritage that both the United States and Brazil share as a result of our history with slavery. In 1824, the United States and Brazil had the largest populations of enslaved Africans. Two hundred years later, our current governments are working together to relaunch the US-Brazil Joint Action Plan to eliminate racial and ethnic discrimination and promote equality. I am confident that this exhibition will inspire us to intensify our efforts in the fight to end racism”, said Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, United States Ambassador to Brazil.
Against this historical backdrop, the exhibition brings together 73 highly relevant artists on the international scene from both countries. Among them, unpublished works by Brazilians Gabriela Marinho and G. Viana, and North American Simone Leigh, who brings a new work from her private collection. Born in Chicago, the internationally recognized artist is the first African-American woman to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale. Also North American Nari Ward, who has already had the opportunity to exhibit in Brazil, is another name that brings to the exhibition a work created on Brazilian soil especially for this occasion. The artist incorporates everyday objects into his works, enriching artistic exchanges between nations.
Also part of the “Ancestral” collection are names such as Abdias do Nascimento, icon of cultural activism in Brazil, widely recognized for his contribution to the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian culture and awarded the Zumbi dos Palmares Award. Has gone. Among North American artists, Kara Walker stands out with her provocative art, which examines historical and social issues and earned her the prestigious MacArthur Award. Julie Mehretu is another important presence, recognized for her complex portraits that strike a dialogue with current geopolitics, earning a series of awards throughout her career. Complementing this panorama, PIPA Award-winning Brazilian Rosana Paulino takes a critical look at race and identity, highlighting the diversity and depth of voices represented in the exhibition.
They also include names like young artist Mayra Ferrão, who uses artificial intelligence to rethink scenes of affection between black and indigenous people not told by “traditional history”; And Sergipe Bispo do Rosario, with his embroidered robes and objects that transcended time and distorted the concept of beauty and madness. Strengthening powerful dialogue about identity, culture and history, and reflecting the complexity of the human experience, we see the inclusion of the works of Kerry James Marshall, Carrie Mae Weems, and Bette Saar.
“Ancestral” examines the underlying narratives between Brazil and the United States through the lens of art, which transcends geographic and cultural boundaries, like being in an unknown place and remembering another place when traveling to Salvador. Creates a constant feeling of New Orleans, where people and places can be mistaken for New Orleans. “The word ‘ancestor’ is common in both English and Portuguese. It is this shared origin that we want to highlight in contemporary art, something that transcends geographical, linguistic and cultural barriers. The ‘Ancestral’ exhibition demonstrates that, despite so much pain, suffering and centuries of distance from the African diaspora, their art persists in its ability to keep the flame burning over time”, highlighted the artistic director of the exhibition, Marcelo Dantas. .
With the support of the Armando Álvares Pentido Foundation – FAAP and the United States Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, “Ancestral: Afro-America – United States and Brazil” is sponsored by Bradesco, Caterpillar, Instituto CCR, Citi, Itaú Unibanco, Whirlpool and the Bank . of America – who donated 52 works from his collection for the exhibition. In addition, the Afro Brazil Museum also donated artifacts from its collection for the occasion.
“With the ‘Ancestral: Afro-America’ exhibition, FAAP’s long-term partnership with the United States Embassy opens a new chapter. It is even more relevant in this year of celebrating the bicentennial of diplomatic relations with Brazil. MAB FAAP We are delighted to bring new ideas and perspectives to the public on the shared ancestry of both countries,” says consultant, Pilar Guillén Liotti.
Service,
Exhibition “Ancestral: African-America – United States and Brazil”
Artistic Direction: Marcelo Dantas
Curated: Ana Beatriz Almeida and Lauren Haynes
Sponsorship: Bradesco, Caterpillar, Instituto CCR, Citi, Itaú Unibanco, Whirlpool and Bank of America
Duration: 29 October 2024 to 26 January 2025
Location: MAB – FAAP – Rua Alagoas, 903, Higuenopolis, São Paulo
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Remains closed on Mondays.
Free admission.
More information: (11) 3662.7198
List of Artists:
Abdias created Nascimento Flavio Cerquera Melvin Edwards
Agnaldo Manuel Dos Santos Fred Wilson Mestre Didi
Aline Motta Gabriela Marinho Moises Patricio
Amara Smith Gary Simmons Monica Ventura
Amy Sherald G Vienna Marie Depilers
Ana Beatriz Almeida Hank Willis Thomas Nadia Taqueri
Andrea Chung Heiter Dos Prezeres Nari Ward
Aretha Sadiq Heloisa Hariadne Paulo Nazareth
Barbara McCullough Issa and Rosario Renata Felinto
Benny Andrews Jaime Laureano Rosana Paulino
son essence jaime figura rubem valentim
Bishop of the Rosary Jordan Castell Sam Gilliam
Carlos Martiel Jose Addario do Santos Sebastião Januario
Caroline Kent Jota Mombaka Sergio Suárez
Carrie Mae Weems Julie Mehretu Sidney Amaral
Charles Gaines Kara Walker Simone Leigh
Charles White Carey James Marshall Sivaju
Dalton Paula Kevin Beasley Sonia Gomes
Davy de Jesus do Nascimento Leonardo Drew Tessila Custodes
David Huffman LeRoi Johnson Tracy Collins and Enida Sanchez
David Bey Lita Cerquera Wardell Milan
Diambe Lorna Simpson Whitfield Lovell
Emmanuel Araújo Martin Puryear Yeshua Klos
faith ringgold myra ferrao
